Apache Tears
Johnny Cash · Come Along And Ride This Train [2004]
The victor and the loser came by here
No head stones, but these bones bring the mascalero death moans
See the smooth black nuggets by the thousands lying here
Petrified, but justified are these apache tears
Dead grass, dry roots, hunger crying in the night
Ghost of broken hearts and laws are here
And who saw the young squaw, they judged by their whiskey law
Tortured till she died of pain and fear
Where the soldiers lay her back, are the black apache tears
The young men, the old men, the guilty and the innocent
Bled red blood and chilled alike with fears
The red men, the white men, no fight ever took this land
So don't raise the dust when you pass here
They're sleeping and in my keeping are these apache tears
Apache Tears
Apache Tears stands as a poignant song in Johnny Cash's expansive discography, appearing on the 2004 album Come Along And Ride This Train. This recording captures the Man in Black during a later period of his career, where his signature baritone voice continued to convey deep emotion and storytelling prowess. The track reflects Cash's enduring ability to blend traditional country elements with a somber, reflective tone that resonated with audiences throughout his final years. As part of an album that often revisited themes of faith and resilience, the song contributes to a broader narrative of his musical evolution. It remains a testament to his lasting influence on the genre, showcasing his capacity to deliver powerful performances even as his style matured over decades of recording.